Big Match Breakdown: Liverpool v Chelsea

Preview, odds and tips for Carabao Cup clash

Two of the Premier League’s big guns face-off tonight at Anfield, as Liverpool host Chelsea in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Both sides are expected to make changes ahead of Saturday’s league fixture. That could make for a close-run contest on Merseyside. The Coral News Team have previewed the tie with a Big Match Breakdown.

Head-to-Head

This is the 180th meeting between the two sides in all competitions. Liverpool have only checked out with victory in two of the last 12 iterations. That includes a Carabao Cup semi-final defeat over two legs in 2015.

The last four fixtures on Merseyside have ended 1-1, with Mohamed Salah and Willian the scorers in November 2017.

Likely XIs

Jurgen Klopp and Maurizio Sarri will both ring the changes in anticipation of Saturday’s renewal at the Bridge. Simon Mignolet, Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno and Divock Origi could all earn recalls for the hosts. Daniel Sturridge and Xherdan Shaqiri are also expected to start as part of a triple threat up-front.

The visitors could hand starts to a number of young British talents, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ethan Ampadu and Ross Barkley expected to line-up in midfield. Gary Cahill could also be drafted in to marshal a much-changed defence.

Key Battles

This match could come down to which side copes more effectively with the change in personnel. Liverpool will retain their pressing style with a more experienced midfield than their opponents, whose combined age could add up to just 59.

At the back, Cahill, in particular, will be eager to prove his worth after falling out of favour under Sarri. He’ll need to be at his resilient best to shackle a Reds forward line high on confidence. Fabinho’s ability to win the ball and then recycle it could prove decisive in the middle of the park.